Why Vegas Should Select McQuaid

You can make an argument for just about any of the oft mentioned exposed Bruins. Matt Beleskey is talented enough to bounce back from an injury, Jimmy Hayes once scored 19 goals and could use a change of scenery, and on defense Colin Miller offers high potential on a cheap contract. All of this is true, and any one of them may potentially be chosen, however, the one player often overlooked is none other than Adam McQuaid. In fact, our sister site, the Knights on Ice actually chose him in their mock draft.

Their reasoning is solid, in that they opted for the longer term and more experienced player. Frankly, it’s hard to fault them for that, considering how many players will be RFA/UFA or on expiring contracts. However, the thing most people are missing about McQuaid is that he can be a perfect leader for this new, primarily young team for the next few seasons as his career starts to hit the proverbial “back nine”.

In Boston, McQuaid has been a frequently criticized member of the 2010s Bruins rosters, often times for good reason, but also a frequent scapegoat for larger issues. However, his play has improved year by year and he is unquestionably the definition of a veteran, team player. There are no #fancystats that show grit or the willingness to stick up for your teammates against anyone and for any reason, but if there were, Adam would likely lead the league. He plays a position that makes him perfect to wear a letter for Vegas, and even if he is a 3rd pairing defenseman for them, he can still be the perfect mentor to his younger team members.

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Vegas will have better options to take more skilled players from other teams, and while Colin Miller may eventually put his talents together and reach his potential, it still makes sense for Vegas to take a locker room leader and on ice heart and soul player in Adam McQuaid to lead their team in it’s infancy.